Tires comprising cellulose ester/elastomer compositions

ABSTRACT

A tire is provided comprising a cellulose ester/elastomer composition wherein the cellulose ester/elastomer comprises at least one cellulose ester, at least one elastomer, and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of at least one compatibilizer and at least one plasticizer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part application to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/170,606 filed on Jun. 28, 2011 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/359,582 filed Jun. 29, 2010; and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/567,948, 61/567,950, 61/567,951, and 61/567,953 filed on Dec. 7, 2011, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent they do not contradict the statements herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention belongs to the field of cellulose ester chemistry, particularly to cellulose esters comprising compatibilizers and optionally, plasticizers. The invention also belongs to the field of cellulose ester/elastomer compositions comprising at least one elastomer and at least one additive wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer. Processes for producing the cellulose ester compositions and the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions are also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the dispersion of cellulose esters in elastomers as small particles to improve the mechanical and physical properties of the elastomer. Polar cellulose esters (CE) are incompatible with non-polar elastomers. In addition, high melting cellulose esters do not melt at typical melt processing temperature of elastomers. These factors make dispersion of cellulose esters into elastomers difficult via most industrially utilized melt mixing process. Due to the above problems, cellulose esters are not an obvious choice as an additive to non-polar elastomers.

This invention can overcome these difficulties by using plasticizers where necessary to help reduce the melt temperature of cellulose esters and by using compatibilizers to help improve mixing and compatibility of cellulose esters and elastomers. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the compatibilizers used can also improve mechanical and physical properties of the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions by improving the interfacial interaction/bonding between the cellulose ester and the elastomer. These cellulose ester/elastomer compositions can be used in rubber/elastomeric applications ranging from tires, hoses, belts, gaskets, automotive parts, and the like.

A process of dispersing cellulose esters in elastomers involves melting or softening cellulose esters so that the cellulose esters can flow and subsequently break down into small particles (dispersion) under shear processing. After dispersion, the cellulose esters can re-solidify upon cooling to room temperature to reinforce the rubber. Therefore, the incorporation of cellulose ester into elastomeric compositions can lower Mooney viscosity which can help with the processing of the composition through equipment, such as, mixers, calenders, extruders, and molding equipment. It can also provide longer scorch safety which provides for a longer safety time during processing. Shorter cure times can also be obtained which allows for faster turnaround time in curing molds and presses. The addition of the cellulose ester to the elastomer can also provide for higher break stress/strain, higher low strain modulus, and higher tear strength providing a tougher and stiffer composition. Finally, the addition of the cellulose ester can provide a lower tan delta at 30 C which allows for lower heat buildup and lower hysteresis.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention, a cellulose ester composition is provided comprising at least one cellulose ester, at least one compatibilizer, and optionally, and at least one plasticizer.

In another embodiment of the invention, a cellulose ester/elastomer composition is provided comprising at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester, and at least one additive; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer.

In another embodiment of the invention, a process for producing the cellulose ester composition is provided comprising contacting at least one cellulose ester, at least one compatibilizer, and optionally, at least one plasticizer.

In another embodiment of the invention, a process for producing a cellulose ester/elastomer composition is provided comprising mixing at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester, and at least one additive for a sufficient time and temperature to disperse the cellulose ester to produce the cellulose ester/elastomer composition; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer.

In another embodiment, an article is provided comprising the cellulose ester/elastomer composition.

In another embodiment of the invention, a tire component is provided comprising at least one elastomer, at least one filler, at least one cellulose ester, and at least one additive selected from the group consisting of at least one compatibilizer and at least one plasticizer.

Other inventions concerning the use of cellulose esters in elastomers have been filed in provisional applications by Eastman Chemical Company on Dec. 7, 2011 entitled “Cellulose Esters in Pneumatic Tires”, “Cellulose Esters in Highly Filled Elastomeric Systems”, and “Process for Dispersing Cellulose Esters into Elastomeric Compositions”; the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent that they do not contradict the statements herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment of the invention, a cellulose ester composition is provided comprising at least one cellulose ester, at least one compatibilizer, and optionally, at least one plasticizer.

The cellulose ester/elastomer composition of the present invention can comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 parts per hundred rubber (“phr”) of at least one cellulose ester, based on the total weight of the elastomers. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition of the present invention can comprise not more than about 75, 50, 40, 30, or 20 phr of at least one cellulose ester, based on the total weight of the elastomers. The term “phr,” as used herein, refers to parts of a respective material per 100 parts by weight of rubber or elastomer.

The cellulose ester utilized in this invention can be any that is known in the art. The cellulose esters useful in the present invention can be prepared using techniques known in the art or can be commercially obtained, e.g., from Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tenn., U.S.A.

The cellulose esters of the present invention generally comprise repeating units of the structure:

wherein R¹, R², and R³ may be selected independently from the group consisting of hydrogen or a straight chain alkanoyl having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms. For cellulose esters, the substitution level is usually expressed in terms of degree of substitution (“DS”), which is the average number of substitutents per anhydroglucose unit (“AGU”). Generally, conventional cellulose contains three hydroxyl groups per AGU that can be substituted; therefore, the DS can have a value between zero and three. Alternatively, lower molecular weight cellulose mixed esters can have a total degree of substitution ranging from about 3.08 to about 3.5. Generally, cellulose is a large polysaccharide with a degree of polymerization from 700 to 2,000 and a maximum DS of 3.0. However, as the degree of polymerization is lowered, as in low molecular weight cellulose mixed esters, the end groups of the polysaccharide backbone become relatively more significant, thereby resulting in a DS ranging from about 3.08 to about 3.5.

Because DS is a statistical mean value, a value of 1 does not assure that every AGU has a single substituent. In some cases, there can be unsubstituted AGUs, some with two substitutents, and some with three substitutents. The “total DS” is defined as the average number of substitutents per AGU. In one embodiment of the invention, the cellulose esters can have a total DS per AGU (DS/AGU) of at least about 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.5, or 1.7. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose esters can have a total DS/AGU of not more than about 3.0, 2.9, 2.8, or 2.7. The DS/AGU can also refer to a particular substituent, such as, for example, hydroxyl, acetyl, butyryl, or propionyl. For instance, a cellulose acetate can have a total DS/AGU for acetyl of about 2.0 to about 2.5, while a cellulose acetate propionate (“CAP”) and cellulose acetate butyrate (“CAB”) can have a total DS/AGU of about 1.7 to about 2.8.

The cellulose ester can be a cellulose triester or a secondary cellulose ester. Examples of cellulose triesters include, but are not limited to, cellulose triacetate, cellulose tripropionate, or cellulose tributyrate. Examples of secondary cellulose esters include cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate propionate, and cellulose acetate butyrate. These cellulose esters are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,698,049; 1,683,347; 1,880,808; 1,880,560; 1,984,147, 2,129,052; and 3,617,201, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent they do not contradict the statements herein.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cellulose ester is selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose tripropionate, cellulose tributyrate, and mixtures thereof.

The degree of polymerization (“DP”) as used herein refers to the number of AGUs per molecule of cellulose ester. In one embodiment of the invention, the cellulose esters can have a DP of at least about 2, 10, 50, or 100. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose esters can have a DP of not more than about 10,000, 8,000, 6,000, or 5,000.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose esters can have an inherent viscosity (“IV”) of at least about 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0 deciliters/gram as measured at a temperature of 25° C. for a 0.25 gram sample in 100 ml of a 60/40 by weight solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose esters can have an IV of not more than about 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, or 1.5 deciliters/gram as measured at a temperature of 25° C. for a 0.25 gram sample in 100 ml of a 60/40 by weight solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose esters can have a falling ball viscosity of at least about 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, or 5 pascals-second (“Pa·s”). Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose esters can have a falling ball viscosity of not more than about 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, or 10 Pa·s.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose esters can have a hydroxyl content of at least about 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, or 2.0 weight percent.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose esters useful in the present invention can have a weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) of at least about 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, or 20,000 as measured by gel permeation chromatography (“GPC”). Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose esters useful in the present invention can have a weight average molecular weight (M_(w)) of not more than about 400,000, 300,000, 250,000, 100,000, or 80,000 as measured by GPC. In another embodiment, the cellulose esters useful in the present invention can have a number average molecular weight (M_(w)) of at least about 2,000, 4,000, 6,000, or 8,000 as measured by GPC. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose esters useful in the present invention can have a number average molecular weight (M_(n)) of not more than about 100,000, 80,000, 60,000, or 40,000 as measured by GPC.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose esters can have a glass transition temperature (“Tg”) of at least about 50° C., 55° C., 60° C., 65° C., 70° C., 75° C., or 80° C. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose esters can have a Tg of not more than about 200° C., 190° C., 180° C., 170° C., 160° C., 150° C., 140° C., or 130° C.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cellulose esters utilized in the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions have not previously been subjected to fibrillation or any other fiber-producing process. In such an embodiment, the cellulose esters are not in the form of fibrils and can be referred to as “non-fibril.”

The cellulose esters can be produced by any method known in the art. Examples of processes for producing cellulose esters are taught in Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 5th Edition, Vol. 5, Wiley-Interscience, New York (2004), pp. 394-444. Cellulose, the starting material for producing cellulose esters, can be obtained in different grades and from sources such as, for example, cotton linters, softwood pulp, hardwood pulp, corn fiber and other agricultural sources, and bacterial celluloses.

One method of producing cellulose esters is by esterification. In such a method, the cellulose is mixed with the appropriate organic acids, acid anhydrides, and catalysts and then converted to a cellulose triester. Ester hydrolysis is then performed by adding a water-acid mixture to the cellulose triester, which can be filtered to remove any gel particles or fibers. Water is added to the mixture to precipitate out the cellulose ester. The cellulose ester can be washed with water to remove reaction by-products followed by dewatering and drying.

The cellulose triesters that are hydrolyzed can have three substitutents selected independently from alkanoyls having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of cellulose triesters include cellulose triacetate, cellulose tripropionate, and cellulose tributyrate or mixed triesters of cellulose such as cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate. These cellulose triesters can be prepared by a number of methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, cellulose triesters can be prepared by heterogeneous acylation of cellulose in a mixture of carboxylic acid and anhydride in the presence of a catalyst such as H₂SO₄. Cellulose triesters can also be prepared by the homogeneous acylation of cellulose dissolved in an appropriate solvent such as LiCl/DMAc or LiCl/NMP.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the commercial term of cellulose triesters also encompasses cellulose esters that are not completely substituted with acyl groups. For example, cellulose triacetate commercially available from Eastman Chemical Company, Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., U.S.A., typically has a DS from about 2.85 to about 2.95.

After esterification of the cellulose to the triester, part of the acyl substitutents can be removed by hydrolysis or by alcoholysis to give a secondary cellulose ester. Secondary cellulose esters can also be prepared directly with no hydrolysis by using a limiting amount of acylating reagent. This process is particularly useful when the reaction is conducted in a solvent that will dissolve cellulose.

In another embodiment of the invention, low molecular weight mixed cellulose esters can be utilized, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,905, which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent it does not contradict the statements herein.

In one embodiment of the invention, a low molecular weight mixed cellulose ester is utilized that has the following properties: (A) a total DS/AGU of from about 3.08 to about 3.50 with the following substitutions: a DS/AGU of hydroxyl of not more than about 0.70, a DS/AGU of C3/C4 esters from about 0.80 to about 1.40, and a DS/AGU of acetyl of from about 1.20 to about 2.34; an IV of from about 0.05 to about 0.15 dL/g, as measured in a 60/40 (wt./wt.) solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25° C.; a number average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 5,600; a weight average molecular weight of from about 1,500 to about 10,000; and a polydispersity of from about 1.2 to about 3.5.

In another embodiment of the invention, a low molecular weight mixed cellulose ester is utilized that has the following properties: a total DS/AGU of from about 3.08 to about 3.50 with the following substitutions: a DS/AGU of hydroxyl of not more than about 0.70; a DS/AGU of C3/C4 esters from about 1.40 to about 2.45, and DS/AGU of acetyl of from about 0.20 to about 0.80; an IV of from about 0.05 to about 0.15 dL/g, as measured in a 60/40 (wt./wt.) solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25° C.; a number average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 5,600; a weight average molecular weight of from about 1,500 to about 10,000; and a polydispersity of from about 1.2 to about 3.5.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a low molecular weight mixed cellulose ester is utilized that has the following properties: a total DS/AGU of from about 3.08 to about 3.50 with the following substitutions: a DS/AGU of hydroxyl of not more than about 0.70; a DS/AGU of C3/C4 esters from about 2.11 to about 2.91, and a DS/AGU of acetyl of from about 0.10 to about 0.50; an IV of from about 0.05 to about 0.15 dL/g, as measured in a 60/40 (wt./wt.) solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25° C.; a number average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 5,600; a weight average molecular weight of from about 1,500 to about 10,000; and a polydispersity of from about 1.2 to about 3.5.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose esters utilized in this invention can also contain chemical functionality. In such embodiments, the cellulose esters are described herein as “derivatized,” “modified,” or “functionalized” cellulose esters.

Functionalized cellulose esters are produced by reacting the free hydroxyl groups of cellulose esters with a bifunctional reactant that has one linking group for grafting to the cellulose ester and one functional group to provide a new chemical group to the cellulose ester. Examples of such bifunctional reactants include succinic anhydride, which links through an ester bond and provides acid functionality; mercaptosilanes, which links through alkoxysilane bonds and provides mercapto functionality; and isocyanotoethyl methacrylate, which links through a urethane bond and gives methacrylate functionality.

In one embodiment of the invention, the functionalized cellulose esters comprise at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of unsaturation (double bonds), carboxylic acids, acetoacetate, acetoacetate imide, mercapto, melamine, and long alkyl chains.

Bifunctional reactants to produce cellulose esters containing unsaturation (double bonds) functionality are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,839,230, 5,741,901, 5,871,573, 5,981,738, 4,147,603, 4,758,645, and 4,861,629; all of which are incorporated by reference to the extent they do not contradict the statements herein. In one embodiment, the cellulose esters containing unsaturation are produced by reacting a cellulose ester containing residual hydroxyl groups with an acrylic-based compound and m-isopropyenyl-α,α′-dimethylbenzyl isocyanate. The grafted cellulose ester is a urethane-containing product having pendant (meth)acrylate and α-methylstyrene moieties. In another embodiment, the cellulose esters containing unsaturation are produced by reacting maleic anhydride and a cellulose ester in the presence of an alkaline earth metal or ammonium salt of a lower alkyl monocarboxylic acid catalyst, and at least one saturated monocarboxylic acid have 2 to 4 carbon atoms. In another embodiment, the cellulose esters containing unsaturation are produced from the reaction product of (a) at least one cellulosic polymer having isocyanate reactive hydroxyl functionality and (b) at least one hydroxyl reactive poly(α,β ethyleneically unsaturated) isocyanate.

Bifunctional reactants to produce cellulose esters containing carboxylic acid functionality are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,384,163, 5,723,151, and 4,758,645; all of which are incorporated by reference to the extent they do not contradict the statements herein. In one embodiment, the cellulose esters containing carboxylic acid functionality are produced by reacting a cellulose ester and a mono- or di-ester of maleic or furmaric acid, thereby obtaining a cellulose derivative having double bond functionality. In another embodiment, the cellulose esters containing carboxylic acid functionality has a first and second residue, wherein the first residue is a residue of a cyclic dicarboxylic acid anhydride and the second residue is a residue of an oleophilic monocarboxylic acid and/or a residue of a hydrophilic monocarboxylic acid. In yet another embodiment, the cellulose esters containing carboxylic acid functionality are cellulose acetate phthalates, which can be prepared by reacting cellulose acetate with phthalic anhydride.

Bifunctional reactants to produce cellulose esters containing acetoacetate functionality are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,877, which is incorporated by reference to the extent it does not contradict the statements herein. In one embodiment, the cellulose esters containing acetoacetate functionality are produced by contacting: (i) cellulose; (ii) diketene, an alkyl acetoacetate, 2,2,6, trimethyl-4H 1,3-dioxin-4-one, or a mixture thereof, and (iii) a solubilizing amount of solvent system comprising lithium chloride plus a carboxamide selected from the group consisting of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, N,N dimethylacetamide, or a mixture thereof.

Bifunctional reactants to produce cellulose esters containing acetoacetate imide functionality are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,214, which is incorporated by reference to the extent it does not contradict the statements herein. Cellulose esters containing acetoacetate imide functionality are the reaction product of a cellulose ester and at least one acetoacetyl group and an amine functional compound comprising at least one primary amine.

Bifunctional reactants to produce cellulose esters containing mercapto functionality are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,914, which is incorporated by reference to the extent it does not contradict the statements herein. In one embodiment of the invention, the cellulose ester is grafted with a silicon-containing thiol component which is either commercially available or can be prepared by procedures known in the art. Examples of silicon-containing thiol compounds include, but are not limited to, (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane, (3-mercaptopropyl)-dimethyl-methoxysilane, (3-mercaptopropyl)dimethoxymethylsilane, (3-mercaptopropyl)dimethylchlorosilane, (3-mercaptopropyl)dimethylethoxysilane, (3-mercaptopropyl)diethyoxy-methylsilane, and (3-mercapto-propyl)triethoxysilane.

Bifunctional reactants to produce cellulose esters containing melamine functionality are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,182,379, which is incorporated by reference to the extent it does not contradict the statements herein. In one embodiment, the cellulose esters containing melamine functionality are prepared by reacting a cellulose ester with a melamine compound to form a grafted cellulose ester having melamine moieties grafted to the backbone of the anhydrogluclose rings of the cellulose ester. In one embodiment, the melamine compound is selected from the group consisting of methylol ethers of melamine and aminoplast carrier elastomers.

Bifunctional reactants to produce cellulose esters containing long alkyl chain functionality are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,677, which is incorporated by reference to the extent it does not contradict the statements herein. In one embodiment, the cellulose esters containing long alkyl chain functionality are produced by reacting cellulose in carboxamide diluents or urea-based diluents with an acylating reagent using a titanium-containing species. Cellulose esters containing long alkyl chain functionality can be selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate hexanoate, cellulose acetate nonanoate, cellulose acetate laurate, cellulose palmitate, cellulose acetate stearate, cellulose nonanoate, cellulose hexanoate, cellulose hexanoate propionate, and cellulose nonanoate propionate.

The plasticizer utilized in this invention can be any that is known in the art that can reduce the melt temperature and/or the melt viscosity of the cellulose ester. The plasticizer can be either monomeric or polymeric in structure. In one embodiment, the plasticizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of a phosphate plasticizer, benzoate plasticizer, adipate plasticizer, a phthalate plasticizer, a glycolic acid ester, a citric acid ester plasticizer and a hydroxyl-functional plasticizer.

In one embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can be selected from at least one of the following: triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, cresyldiphenyl phosphate, octyldiphenyl phosphate, diphenylbiphenyl phosphate, trioctyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, diethyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, dibenzyl phthalate, butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, ethyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, methyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, triethyl citrate, tri-n-butyl citrate, acetyltriethyl citrate, acetyl-tri-n-butyl citrate, and acetyl-tri-n-(2-ethylhexyl) citrate.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can be one or more esters comprising: (i) at least one acid residue including residues of phthalic acid, adipic acid, trimellitic acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, azelaic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, butyric acid, glutaric acid, citric acid or phosphoric acid; and (ii) alcohol residues comprising one or more residues of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or aromatic alcohol containing up to about 20 carbon atoms.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can be selected from at least one of the following: esters comprising: (i) at least one acid residue selected from the group consisting of phthalic acid, adipic acid, trimellitic acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, azelaic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, butyric acid, glutaric acid, citric acid and phosphoric acid; and (ii) at least one alcohol residue selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, and aromatic alcohol containing up to about 20 carbon atoms.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can comprise alcohol residues where the alcohol residues is at least one selected from the following: stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, phenol, benzyl alcohol, hydroquinone, catechol, resorcinol, ethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and diethylene glycol.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can be selected from at least one of the following: benzoates, phthalates, phosphates, arylene-bis(diaryl phosphate), and isophthalates. In another embodiment, the plasticizer comprises diethylene glycol dibenzoate, abbreviated herein as “DEGDB”.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can be selected from at least one of the following: aliphatic polyesters comprising C₂₋₁₀ diacid residues, for example, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, and sebacic acid; and C₂₋₁₀ diol residues.

In another embodiment, the plasticizer can comprise diol residues which can be residues of at least one of the following C₂-C₁₀ diols: ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-butylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6 hexanediol, 1,5-pentylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can include polyglycols, such as, for example, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and polybutylene glycol. These can range from low molecular weight dimers and trimers to high molecular weight oligomers and polymers. In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the polyglycol can range from about 200 to about 2000.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer comprises at least one of the following: Resoflex® R296 plasticizer, Resoflex® 804 plastocizer, SHP (sorbitol hexapropionate), XPP (xylitol pentapropionate), XPA (xylitol pentaacetate), GPP (glucose pentaacetate), GPA (glucose pentapropionate) and APP (arabitol pentapropionate).

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer comprises one or more of: A) from about 5 to about 95 weight % of a C₂-C₁₂ carbohydrate organic ester, wherein the carbohydrate comprises from about 1 to about 3 monosaccharide units; and B) from about 5 to about 95 weight % of a C₂-C₁₂ polyol ester, wherein the polyol is derived from a C₅ or C₆ carbohydrate. In one embodiment, the polyol ester does not comprise or contain a polyol acetate or polyol acetates.

In another embodiment, the plasticizer comprises at least one carbohydrate ester and the carbohydrate portion of the carbohydrate ester is derived from one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of glucose, galactose, mannose, xylose, arabinose, lactose, fructose, sorbose, sucrose, cellobiose, cellotriose and raffinose.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer comprises at least one carbohydrate ester and the carbohydrate portion of the carbohydrate ester comprises one or more of α-glucose pentaacetate, β-glucose pentaacetate, α-glucose pentapropionate, β-glucose pentapropionate, α-glucose pentabutyrate and β-glucose pentabutyrate.

In another embodiment, the plasticizer comprises at least one carbohydrate ester and the carbohydrate portion of the carbohydrate ester comprises an α-anomer, a β-anomer or a mixture thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can be a solid, non-crystalline resin. These resins can contain some amount of aromatic or polar functionality and can lower the melt viscosity of the cellulose esters. In one embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can be a solid, non-crystalline compound (resin), such as, for example, rosin; hydrogenated rosin; stabilized rosin, and their monofunctional alcohol esters or polyol esters; a modified rosin including, but not limited to, maleic- and phenol-modified rosins and their esters; terpene resins; phenol-modified terpene resins; coumarin-indene resins; phenolic resins; alkylphenol-acetylene resins; and phenol-formaldehyde resins.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer can be a tackifier resin. Any tackifier known to a person of ordinary skill in the art may be used in the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions. Tackifiers suitable for the compositions disclosed herein can be solids, semi-solids, or liquids at room temperature. Non-limiting examples of tackifiers include (1) natural and modified rosins (e.g., gum rosin, wood rosin, tall oil rosin, distilled rosin, hydrogenated rosin, dimerized rosin, and polymerized rosin); (2) glycerol and pentaerythritol esters of natural and modified rosins (e.g., the glycerol ester of pale, wood rosin, the glycerol ester of hydrogenated rosin, the glycerol ester of polymerized rosin, the pentaerythritol ester of hydrogenated rosin, and the phenolic-modified pentaerythritol ester of rosin); (3) copolymers and terpolymers of natured terpenes (e.g., styrene/terpene and alpha methyl styrene/terpene); (4) polyterpene resins and hydrogenated polyterpene resins; (5) phenolic modified terpene resins and hydrogenated derivatives thereof (e.g., the resin product resulting from the condensation, in an acidic medium, of a bicyclic terpene and a phenol); (6) aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof (e.g., resins resulting from the polymerization of monomers consisting primarily of olefins and diolefins); (7) aromatic hydrocarbon resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; and (8) aromatic modified aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; and combinations thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, the tackifier resins include rosin-based tackifiers (e.g. AQUATAC® 9027, AQUATAC® 4188, SYLVALITE®, SYLVATAC® and SYL V AGUM® rosin esters from Arizona Chemical, Jacksonville, Fla.). In other embodiments, the tackifiers include polyterpenes or terpene resins (e.g., SYLVARES® 15 terpene resins from Arizona Chemical, Jacksonville, Fla.). In other embodiments, the tackifiers include aliphatic hydrocarbon resins such as resins resulting from the polymerization of monomers consisting of olefins and diolefins (e.g., ESCOREZ® 1310LC, ESCOREZ® 2596 from ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Houston, Tex. or PICCOTAC® 1095 from Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tenn.) and the hydrogenated derivatives 20 thereof; alicyclic petroleum hydrocarbon resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof (e.g. ESCOREZ® 5300 and 5400 series from ExxonMobil Chemical Company; EASTOTAC® resins from Eastman Chemical Company). In some embodiments, the tackifiers include hydrogenated cyclic hydrocarbon resins (e.g. REGALREZ® and REGALITE® resins from Eastman Chemical Company). In further embodiments, the tackifiers are modified with tackifier modifiers including aromatic compounds (e.g., ESCOREZ® 2596 from ExxonMobil Chemical Company or PICCOTAC® 7590 from Eastman Chemical Company) and low softening point resins (e.g., AQUATAC 5527 from Arizona Chemical, Jacksonville, Fla.). In some embodiments, the tackifier is an aliphatic hydrocarbon resin having at least five carbon atoms.

The amount of plasticizer in the cellulose ester composition can range from about 1 to about 50 weight percent based on the weight of the cellulose ester. Another range can be from about 5 to about 35 weight percent based on the weight of the cellulose ester.

The compatibilizer can be either a non-reactive compatibilizer or a reactive compatibilizer. The compatibilizer can enhance the ability of the cellulose ester to reach a desired small particle size to improve the dispersion of the cellulose ester into an elastomer. The compatibilizers used can also improve mechanical and physical properties of the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions by improving the interfacial interaction/bonding between the cellulose ester and the elastomer.

When non-reactive compatibilizers are utilized, the compatibilizer contains a first segment that is compatible with the cellulose ester and a second segment that is compatible with a nonpolar elastomer. The first segment contains polar functional groups, which provide compatibility with the cellulose ester, including, but not limited to, such polar functional groups as ethers, esters, amides, alcohols, amines, ketones and acetals. The first segment may consist of oligomers or polymers of the following: cellulose esters; cellulose ethers; polyoxyalkylene, such as, polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, polyoxybutylene; polyglycols, such as, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polybutylene glycol; polyesters, such as, polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, aliphatic polyesters, aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters; polyacrylates and polymethacrylates; polyacetals; polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyvinyl acetate; and polyvinyl alcohol. In one embodiment, the first segment is polyoxyethylene or polyvinyl alcohol.

The second segment is compatible with the nonpolar elastomer and contains nonpolar groups. The second segment can be either saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon groups or contain both saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon groups. The second segment can be an oligomer or a polymer. In one embodiment of the invention, the second segment of the non-reactive compatibilizer is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polydienes, polyaromatics, and copolymers. An example of a polyaromatic second segment is polystyrene. An example of a copolymer second segment is styrene/butadiene copolymer.

In one embodiment, the first and second segments of the non-reactive compatibilizers can be in a diblock, triblock, branched or comb structure. The molecular weight of the non-reactive compatibilizers can range from about 300 to about 20,000 or from about 500 to about 10,000 or from about 1,000 to about 5,000. The segment ratio of the non-reactive compatibilizers can range from about 15 to about 85% polar first segments to about 15 to about 85% nonpolar second segments.

Examples of non-reactive compatibilizers include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, block polymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, polyglycerol esters, polysaccharide esters, and sorbitan esters. Examples of ethoxylated alcohols are C₁₁-C₁₅ secondary alcohol ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, and C₁₂-C₁₄ natural liner alcohol ethoxylated with ethylene oxide. C₁₁-C₁₅ secondary ethyoxylates can be obtained as Dow Tergitol® 15S from the Dow Chemical Company. Polyoxyethlene cetyl ether and polyoxyethylene stearyl ether can be obtained from ICI Surfactants under the Brij® series of products. C₁₂-C₁₄ natural linear alcohol ethoxylated with ethylene oxide can be obtained from Hoechst Celanese under the Genapol® series of products. Examples of ethoxylated alkylphenols include octylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol and nonylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol. Octylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol can be obtained as Igepal® CA series of products from Rhodia, and nonylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol can be obtained as Igepal CO series of products from Rhodia or as Tergitol® NP from Dow Chemical Company. Ethyoxylated fatty acids include polyethyleneglycol monostearate or monolaruate which can be obtained from Henkel under the Nopalcol® series of products. Block polymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide can be obtained under the Pluronic® series of products from BASF. Polyglycerol esters can be obtained from Stepan under the Drewpol® series of products. Polysaccharide esters can be obtained from Henkel under the Glucopon® series of products, which are alkyl polyglucosides. Sorbitan esters can be obtained from ICI under the Tween® series of products.

In another embodiment of the invention, the non-reactive compatibilizers can be synthesized in situ in the cellulose ester composition or the cellulose ester/elastomer composition by reacting cellulose ester-compatible compounds with elastomer-compatible compounds. These compounds can be, for example, telechelic oligomers, which are defined as prepolymers capable of entering into further polymerization or other reaction through their reactive end groups. In one embodiment of the invention, these in situ compatibilizers can have higher molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 1,000,000.

In another embodiment of the invention, the compatibilizer can be reactive. The reactive compatibilizer comprises a polymer or oligomer compatible with one component of the composition and functionality capable of reacting with another component of the composition. There are two types of reactive compatibilizers. The first reactive compatibilizer has a hydrocarbon chain that is compatible with a nonpolar elastomer and also has functionality capable of reacting with the cellulose ester. Such functional groups include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acids, anhydrides, acid chlorides, epoxides, and isocyanates. Specific examples of this type of reactive compatibilizer include, but are not limited to: long chain fatty acids, such as, stearic acid (octadecanoic acid); long chain fatty acid chlorides, such as, stearoyl chloride (octadecanoyl chloride); long chain fatty acid anhydrides, such as, stearic anhydride (octadecanoic anhydride); epoxidized oils and fatty esters; styrene maleic anhydride copolymers; maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene; copolymers of maleic anhydride with olefins and/or acrylic esters, e.g. terpolymers of ethylene, acrylic ester and maleic anhydride; and copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate with olefins and/or acrylic esters, e.g. terpolymers of ethylene, acrylic ester, and glycidyl methacrylate.

Reactive compatibilizers can be obtained as SMA® 3000 styrene maleic anhydride copolymer from Sartomer/Cray Valley, Eastman G-3015® maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene from Eastman Chemical Company, Epolene® E-43 maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene obtained from Westlake Chemical, Lotader® MAH 8200 random terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic ester, and maleic anhydride obtained from Arkema, Lotader® GMA AX 8900 random terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic ester, and glycidyl methacrylate, and Lotarder® GMA AX 8840 random terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic ester, and glycidyl methacrylate.

The second type of reactive compatibilizer has a polar chain that is compatible with the cellulose ester and also has functionality capable of reacting with a nonpolar elastomer. Examples of these types of reactive compatibilizers include cellulose esters or polyethylene glycols with olefin or thiol functionality. Reactive polyethylene glycol compatibilizers with olefin functionality include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol allyl ether and polyethylene glycol acrylate. An example of a reactive polyethylene glycol compatibilizer with thiol functionality includes polyethylene glycol thiol. An example of a reactive cellulose ester compatibilizer includes mercaptoacetate cellulose ester.

The amount of compatibilizer in the cellulose ester composition can range from about 1 wt % to about 40 wt % or from about 5 wt % to about 20 wt % based on the weight of the cellulose ester.

In another embodiment of this invention, a cellulose ester/elastomer composition is provided comprising at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester, and at least one additive; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of at least one plasticizer and at least one compatibilizer. The cellulose esters, plasticizers, and compatibilizers have been previously described in this disclosure.

The term “elastomer,” as used herein, can be used interchangeably with the term “rubber.” Due to the wide applicability of the process described herein, the cellulose esters can be employed with virtually any type of elastomer. For instance, the elastomers utilized in this invention can comprise a natural rubber, a modified natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, and mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the elastomers is a non-polar elastomer. For example, a non-polar elastomer can comprise at least about 90, 95, 98, 99, or 99.9 weight percent of non-polar monomers. In one embodiment, the non-polar elastomer is primarily based on a hydrocarbon. Examples of non-polar elastomers include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyolefins, ethylene propylene monomer rubber (EPM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, and polynorbornene rubber. Examples of polyolefins include, but are not limited to, polybutylene, polyisobutylene, and ethylene propylene rubber. In another embodiment, the elastomer comprises a natural rubber, a styrene-butadiene rubber, and/or a polybutadiene rubber. Non-polar elastomers are often used in tire components.

In certain embodiments, the elastomer contains little or no nitrile groups. As used herein, the elastomer is considered a “non-nitrile” elastomer when nitrile monomers make up less than 10 weight percent of the elastomer. In one embodiment, the elastomer contains no nitrile groups.

These inventive cellulose ester/elastomer compositions can be utilized in various articles, including oil field elastomeric articles, weather stripping, and injected molded parts. Any elastomer known in the art for use in these articles can utilized. When the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions are used in oil field elastomeric articles, the elastomers can be nitrile rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, chlorinated sulfonated polyethylene, polychloroprene, and mixtures thereof. When the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions are used in weather stripping, the elastomer can be natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyolefins, ethylene propylene monomer rubber (EPM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polynorbornene rubber, and mixtures thereof. When the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions are used in injected molder parts, the elastomer can be natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polyolefins, ethylene propylene monomer rubber (EPM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, polynorbornene rubber, and methyl methacrylate butadiene styrene rubber (MBS), styrene butadiene styrene rubber (SBS), styrene ethylene butylene (SEBS) rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of cellulose ester in the cellulose ester/elastomer composition ranges from about 1 to about 50 parts per hundred rubber (phr) based on the elastomer. Other ranges are from about 5 to about 30 phr and about 3 to about 30 phr based on the weight of the elastomer.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 10 parts per hundred rubber (“phr”) of at least one cellulose ester, based on the total weight of the elastomers. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition of the present invention can comprise not more than about 75, 50, 40, 30, or 20 phr of at least one cellulose ester, based on the total weight of the elastomers. The term “phr,” as used herein, refers to parts of a respective material per 100 parts by weight of rubber or elastomer.

The amount of compatibilizer can range from about 1% to about 40% by weight based on the weight of the cellulose ester. Another range is from about 5 to about 20% by weight based on the weight of the cellulose ester.

In another embodiment of the invention, the compatibilizer can comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, or 5 weight percent based on the weight of the cellulose ester. Additionally or alternatively, the compatibilizer can comprise not more than about 40, 30, 25, or 20 weight percent based the weight of the cellulose ester.

The amount of plasticizer can range from about 1% to about 50% by weight based on the weight of the cellulose ester. Another range is from about 5% to about 35% by weight based on the weight of the cellulose ester.

In another embodiment of the invention, the amount of plasticizer can range from at least about 1, 2, 5, or 10 weight percent based on the weight of the cellulose ester. Additionally or alternatively, the plasticizer can range from not more than about 60, 50, 40, or 35 weight percent based on the cellulose ester.

In another embodiment of the invention, the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions further comprise at least one crosslinking/curing agent. Crosslinking/curing agents can be any that is known in the art. Examples of crosslinking/curing agents include, but are not limited to, organic peroxides and sulfur.

The cellulose ester/elastomer compositions of the present invention can be incorporated into various types of end products.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition is formed into a tire and/or a tire component. The tire component can comprise, for example, tire tread, subtread, undertread, body plies, belts, overlay cap plies, belt wedges, shoulder inserts, tire apex, tire sidewalls, bead fillers, and any other tire component that contains an elastomer. In one embodiment, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition is formed into tire tread, tire sidewalls, and/or bead fillers.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition is incorporated into non-tire applications. Non-tire applications include, for example, a blow-out preventer, fire hoses, weather stripping, belts, injection molded parts, footwear, pharmaceutical closures, plant lining, flooring, power cables, gaskets, seals, and architectural trims. In particular, the cellulose ester/elastomer compositions can be utilized in various oil field applications such as, for example, blowout preventers, pump pistons, well head seals, valve seals, drilling hoses, pump stators, drill pipe protectors, down-hole packers, inflatable packers, drill motors, O-Rings, cable jackets, pressure accumulators, swab cups, and bonded seals.

In one embodiment, the tire component comprises at least one elastomer, at least one filler, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition, and optionally starch. The elastomer and cellulose ester composition have been previously discussed in this disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition of the present invention can comprise one or more fillers, particularly in the production of tire components.

The fillers can comprise any filler that can improve the thermophysical properties of the cellulose ester/elastomer composition (e.g., modulus, strength, and expansion coefficient). For example, the fillers can comprise silica, carbon black, clay, alumina, talc, mica, discontinuous fibers including cellulose fibers and glass fibers, aluminum silicate, aluminum trihydrate, barites, feldspar, nepheline, antimony oxide, calcium carbonate, kaolin, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the fillers comprise an inorganic and nonpolymeric material. In another embodiment, the fillers comprise silica and/or carbon black. In yet another embodiment, the fillers comprise silica.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can comprise at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 phr of one or more fillers, based on the total weight of the elastomers. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can comprise not more than about 60, 50, or 40 phr of one or more fillers, based on the total weight of the elastomers.

The cellulose ester/elastomer composition of the present invention can comprise one or more additives.

In certain embodiments, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can comprise at least about 1, 2, 5, 10, or 15 phr of one or more additives, based on the total weight of the elastomers. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can comprise not more than about 70, 50, 40, 30, or 20 phr of one or more additives, based on the total weight of the elastomers.

The additives can comprise, for example, processing aids, carrier elastomers, tackifiers, lubricants, oils, waxes, surfactants, stabilizers, UV absorbers/inhibitors, pigments, antioxidants, extenders, reactive coupling agents, and/or branchers. In one embodiment, the additives comprise one or more cellulose ethers, starches, and/or derivatives thereof. In such an embodiment, the cellulose ethers, starches and/or derivatives thereof can include, for example, amylose, acetoxypropyl cellulose, amylose triacetate, amylose tributyrate, amylose tricabanilate, amylose tripropionate, carboxymethyl amylose, ethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and sodium cellulose xanthanate.

In one embodiment, the additives comprise a non-cellulose ester processing aid. The non-cellulose ester processing aid can comprise, for example, a processing oil, starch, starch derivatives, and/or water. In such an embodiment, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can comprise less than about 10, 5, 3, or 1 phr of the non-cellulose ester processing aid, based on the total weight of the elastomers. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can exhibit a weight ratio of cellulose ester to non-cellulose ester processing aid of at least about 0.5:1, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 8:1, or 10:1.

In another embodiment, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can comprise a starch and/or its derivatives. In such an embodiment, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can comprise less than 10, 5, 3, or 1 phr of starch and its derivatives, based on the total weight of the elastomers. Additionally or alternatively, the cellulose ester/elastomer composition can exhibit a weight ratio of cellulose ester to starch of at least about 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 8:1, or 10:1.

In another embodiment of the invention, a process for producing a cellulose ester composition is provided. The process comprises contacting at least one cellulose ester, at least one compatibilizer, and optionally, at least one plasticizer. The cellulose ester, plasticizer, and compatibilizer were previously discussed in this disclosure. The cellulose ester, compatibilizer, and optional plasticizer can be mixed in any order of addition.

In another embodiment of this invention, a process for producing a cellulose ester/elastomer composition is provided comprising: a) mixing at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester, and at least one additive for a sufficient time and temperature to disperse the cellulose ester to produce the cellulose ester/elastomer composition; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer. A sufficient temperature is defined as the flow temperature of the cellulose ester which is generally about 50° C. above the Tg of the cellulose ester. The temperature at mixing is limited at the upper range by the processing temperature of the elastomer and at the lower range by the highest use temperature of the cellulose ester/elastomer composition.

It is known in the art that the efficiency of mixing two or more viscoelastic materials can depend on the ratio of the viscosities of the viscoelastic materials. For a given mixing equipment and shear rate range, the viscosity ratio of the dispersed phase (cellulose ester and additive) and continuous phase (elastomer) should be within specified limits for obtaining adequate particle size. In one embodiment of the invention where low shear rotational shearing equipment is utilized, such as, Banbury and Brabender mixers, the viscosity ratio of the dispersed phase (cellulose ester and additive) to the continuous phase (elastomer) can range from about 0.001 to about 5, from about 0.01 to about 5, and from about 0.1 to about 3. In yet another embodiment of the invention where high shear rotational/extensional shearing equipment is utilized, such as, twin screw extruders, the viscosity ratio of the dispersed phase (cellulose ester and additive) to the continuous phase (elastomer) can range from about 0.001 to about 500 and from about 0.01 to about 100.

It is also known in the art that when mixing two or more viscoelastic materials, the difference between the interfacial energy of the two viscoelastic materials can affect the efficiency of mixing. Mixing can be more efficient when the difference in the interfacial energy between the materials are less. In one embodiment of the invention, the surface tension difference between the dispersed phase (cellulose ester and additive) and continuous phase (elastomer) is less than about 100 dynes/cm, less than 50 dynes/cm, or less than 20 dynes/cm.

In one embodiment, the cellulose ester is softened and/or melted to allow breakdown of the cellulose ester into sufficiently small particle size under the specified mixing conditions. In one embodiment, the particle size of the cellulose ester can be between 50 microns to 50 nanometers. In one embodiment of the invention, the elastomer, at least one cellulose ester, and at least one additive are contacted at a temperature in the range of about 70° C. to about 220° C. or from about 100° C. to about 180° C., or from about 130° C. to about 160° C.

Mixing of the elastomer, cellulose ester, and additive can be accomplished by any method known in the art that is adequate to disperse the additive. Examples of mixing equipment include, but are not limited to, Banbury mixers, Brabender mixers, and extruders (single or twin screw). The shear energy during the mixing is dependent on the combination of equipment, blade design, rotation speed (rpm), and mixing time. The shear energy should be sufficient for breaking down softened/melted cellulose ester to a small enough size to disperse the cellulose ester throughout the elastomer. For example, when a Banbury mixer is utilized, the shear energy and time of mixing ranges from about 5 to about 15 minutes at 100 rpms.

The elastomer, cellulose ester and additive can be combined in any order during the process. In one embodiment, the cellulose ester is premixed with the compatibilizer and/or the plasticizer. The cellulose ester containing the compatibilizer and/or the plasticizer is then mixed with the elastomer. In another embodiment of the invention, when reactive compatibilizers are utilized, the reactive compatibilizers can be mixed with either the cellulose ester or the elastomer first, then the other components are added.

In another embodiment of the invention, a process to produce a cellulose ester/elastomer compositions comprising: a) mixing at least one elastomer, at least one cellulose ester and at least one additive for a sufficient time and temperature to disperse the cellulose ester throughout said elastomer to produce a cellulose ester/elastomer masterbatch; wherein the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of a compatibilizer and a plasticizer; and b) mixing the masterbatch and at least one elastomer to produce the cellulose ester/elastomer composition. The elastomer in the masterbatch can be the same or different than that utilized to produce the cellulose ester/elastomer composition. The processes of mixing have been previously discussed in this disclosure.

This invention can be further illustrated by the following examples of preferred embodiments thereof, although it will be understood that these examples are included merely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise specifically indicated.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Non-Reactive Compatibilizer in Cellulose Ester/Elastomer Compositions

Experiments were conducted to evaluate certain non-reactive compatibilizer in cellulose ester/elastomer compositions. In Table 1, the non-reactive compatibilizers evaluated are listed.

TABLE 1 Compatibilizer Compound MW¹ #CH₂ ² #EO³ % EO MP⁴ ° C. Tergitol ® 15-S-9 570 15 9 63 <RT Tergitol ® 15-S-30 1400 15 30 85 ~50 Polyethylene 920 32 12 50 ~100 block polyethylene glycol⁵ Polyethylene 2250 32 40 80 ~85 block polyethylene glycol Polyethylene 1400 50 16 50 ~100 block polyethylene glycol ¹Molecular Weight ²Number of carbon atoms ³Number of Ethylene Oxide groups ⁴Melting Point ⁵PE Block PEG

Tergitol® 15-S-9 and Tergitol® 15-S-30 are secondary alcohol ethoxylates obtained from Dow Chemical in Midland, Mich. The polyethylene block polyethylene glycol compatibilizers were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the ethylene oxide units of the above compounds plasticizes the cellulose acetate butyrate and the hydrocarbon chain improves compatibility with the elastomer. Each of the compatibilizers was blended with cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB 551-0.01 and CAB 553.0.4) obtained from Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tenn. at 80:20 ratio in a Brabender mixer at 150° C. for 10 minutes at 100 rpm) followed by cryogrinding to prepare the masterbatches of cellulose ester and compatibilizer (MB 1-10) as shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 CAB CAB PE PE PE Master 551- 553- Tergitol Tergitol Block Block Block Batch 0.01 0.4 15-S-9 15-S-30 PEG PEG PEG Tg, ° C. MB1 80 20 49.3 MB2 80 20 52.6 MB3 80 20 54.3 MB4 80 20 66.6 MB5 80 20 97.5 MB6 80 20 82.3 MB7 80 20 75.8 MB8 80 20 84.2 MB9 80 20 69.5 MB10 80 20 104.7 Reference Tg for CAB 551-0.01 is 107° C. and for CAB 553-0.4 is 139° C.

All the above master batches of cellulose ester and compatibilizer are compounded with a non-oil modified solution styrene-butadiene rubber obtained as Duradene 761 from Firestone Polymers, Akron, Ohio, using the procedure outlined subsequently in these Examples to prepare sample compositions shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Comp Duradene CAB CAB No. 761 551-0.01 553-0.4 MB1 MB2 MB3 MB4 MB5 MB6 MB7 MB8 MB9 MB10 1.1 100 1.2 100 10 1.3 100 12.5 1.4 100 12.5 1.5 100 12.5 1.6 100 12.5 1.7 100 12.5 1.8 100 10 1.9 100 12.5 1.10 100 12.5 1.11 100 12.5 1.12 100 12.5 1.13 100 12.5

The amounts specified in Table 3 are based on 100 grams of rubber and expressed as parts per hundred rubber (phr). For example, for Composition 1.3, 100 grams of rubber was utilized as well as 12.5 grams of Masterbatch 1, which is an 80:20 ratio of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB 553-0.4) and Tergitol 15-S-9 secondary alcohol ethoxylate.

All cellulose ester, elastomer, and compatibilizers in Table 3 were processed in a Brabender mixer for 30 minutes at 150° C. and 100 rpm to produce the cellulose ester/elastomer composition. Then, 2.5 phr dicumyl peroxide (curing agent) was added to each sample at 50-60° C. in a Brabender mixer for about 1 minute and then mixed for another 2-3 minutes to produce a partially cured cellulose ester/elastomer composition. The samples from the Brabender mixer were cured by compression molding for 45 minutes at 150° C. and 20000 psi.

The modulus, yield stress, and yield strain of the compression molded, cured cellulose ester/elastomer composition samples were measured as per ASTM D412 and are shown in Table 4. In the ASTM D412 method, samples were prepared by cutting the specimens with Die C. The speed of testing was 20 inches/min, and the gauge length was 63.5 mm (2.5 inch). The samples were conditioned in the laboratory for 40 hours at 50%+/−5% humidity and 72° F. The width of the specimen was 1 inch and the length was 4.5 inches.

TABLE 4 Composition Modulus, Yield Stress, Yield Strain, Number MPa MPa % 1.1 6.99 1.37 22.11 1.2 7.75 1.66 22.44 1.3 8.29 1.67 24.41 1.4 8.61 1.91 26.67 1.5 7.87 1.86 28.23 1.6 9.57 2.03 26.76 1.7 9.53 1.98 24.73 1.8 10.77 1.27 12.93 1.9 10.14 1.45 16.8 1.10 7.46 1.62 25.88 1.11 6.44 1.16 21.42 1.12 9.08 1.53 20.02 1.13 10.61 1.63 17.33

In Compositions 1.3-1.7, the addition of the compatibilizer to the elastomer and cellulose ester showed an improvement in modulus, yield stress, and yield strain over the Comparative Compositions 1.1 and 1.2 containing either rubber alone or rubber and cellulose ester alone. In Compositions 1.9-1.13, the Yield Strain and Yield Stress were improved over the Comparative Composition 1.8.

Example 2 Reactive Compatabilizers in Cellulose Ester/Elastomer Compositions

Reactive compatibilizers were evaluated to improve the mixing of CAB in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). The reactive compatibilizers were selected such that they contained reactive groups that can react with the CAB and the rest of the molecule is compatible with the SBR. The molecular weight, and the type and concentration of the reactive moiety were varied.

TABLE 5 Chemical Reactive Acid number, Brand Name Composition Manufacturer Moiety Mw mg KOH/gm Tm, ° C. Comments SMA 3000 Styrene maleic Sartomer/Cray Maleic 9500 285 180 (Tm ~ Styrene: anhydride copolymer Valley anhydride Tg + 55) MA = 3:1 Eastman Maleic anhydride Eastman Maleic 47000 15 156 G-3015 grafted polypropylene anhydride Epolene ® E-43 Maleic anhydride Westlake Maleic 15800 45 158 grafted polypropylene Chemicals anhydride Lotader ® MAH Random terpolymer of Arkema Maleic 17 100 Maleic anhy- 8200 Ethylene, Acrylic ester anhydride dride ~2.8 wt % and Maleic anhydride Ester ~6.5 wt % Lotader ® GMA Random terpolymer of Arkema Glycidyl NA  65 Glycidyl Meth- AX 8900 Ethylene, Acrylic ester Methacrylate acrylate ~8 wt %, and glycidyl Methacrylate (epoxy) Ester ~25 wt % Lotader ® GMA Random terpolymer of Arkema Glycidyl NA 106 Glycidyl Meth- AX 8840 Ethylene, Acrylic ester Methacrylate acrylate ~8 wt %, and glycidyl Methacrylate (epoxy) Ester ~0 wt %

The maleic anhydride and glycidyl methacrylate in these reactive compatibilizers can react with the hydroxyl group contained in the cellulose ester. Masterbatches of Duradene 761 styrene butadiene rubber and a reactive compatibilizer were produced as shown in Table 6. Duradene 761 styrene butadiene rubber and the reactive compatibilizer were mixed in a Brabender mixer at 100 rpm and 160° C. for 30 minutes to produce the masterbatches (MB1-MB6).

TABLE 6 Composition Duradene Compatibilizer No. 761, gm Compatibilizer quantity, gm MB1 100 SMA 3000 3 MB2 100 Eastman G-3015 3 MB3 100 Epolene ® E-43 3 MB4 100 Lotader ® MAH 8200 3 MB5 100 Lotader ® GMA AX 8900 3 MB6 100 Lotader ® GMA AX 8840 3

The cellulose ester/elastomer compositions produced are shown in Table 7. Composition Number 2.1 contained only SBR. Composition Number 2.2 contained only SBR and CAB 551-0.01. For Composition Numbers 2.3-2.8, the masterbatches produced containing SBR and compatibilizer were mixed with cellulose ester in a Brabender mixer at 100 rpm for 30 minutes at 150° C.

A CAB/plasticizer masterbatch was prepared by blending 100 g CAB 553-0.4 and 10 g Eastman 168 plasticizer (bis(2-ethylhexyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) obtained from Eastman Chemical Company using a Brabender mixer at 100 rpm and 150° C. for 10 minutes. The CAB/plasticizer masterbatch was cryo-ground to a powder. Eastman 168 plasticizer was added to reduce the Tg/Tm of the CAB 553-0.4 so that it melted at a processing temperature of about 150° C. The Tg of the CAB/plasticizer masterbatch was obtained by preparing samples dissolved in acetone followed by vacuum drying at 70° C. and analyzing the samples by Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) (2nd cycle). Only CAB 553-0.4 was utilized in the masterbatches. CAB 551-0.01 was mixed with Eastman 168 plasticizer to determine the Tg. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the cellulose ester/plasticizer compositions produced are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 7 Composition Duradene CAB MB (CAB/ Number 761 551-0.01 Plasticizer) MB1 MB2 MB3 MB4 MB5 MB6 2.1 100 2.2 100 10 2.3 10 103 2.4 10 103 2.5 10 103 2.6 10 103 2.7 10 103 2.8 10 103 2.9 100 11 2.10 11 103 2.11 11 103 2.12 11 103 2.13 11 103 2.14 11 103 2.15 11 103

TABLE 8 Plasticizer wt % Tg, ° C. CAB 551-0.01 (10 g) + Plasticizer 168 (0.5 g) 5 90.5 CAB 551-0.01 (10 g) + Plasticizer 168 (1.0 g) 10 75.5 CAB 553-0.4 (10 g) + Plasticizer 168 (0.5 g) 5 123.7 CAB 553-0.4 (10 g) + Plasticizer 168 (1.0 g) 10 109.5

Once the masterbatches were prepared, the CAB 551-0.01 and the CAB/Plasticizer Masterbatch were dried overnight at 50° C. to remove moisture before blending. Composition Numbers 2.1-2.15 were prepared by weighing each component in Table 6 separately and processing the components in a Brabender mixed at 100 rpm for 30 minutes at 150° C. In order to cure the cellulose ester/elastomer composition, 1 g of dicumyl peroxide (i.e. 2.5 phr) was added to the Brabender mixer over a period of about 1 minute and then the composition was further mixed for another 2-3 minutes to produce a partially cured cellulose ester/elastomer composition. The curing of the cellulose ester/elastomer composition was then completed by compression molding for 45 minutes at 150° C. and 20000 psi.

The modulus, yield stress and yield strain of the compression molded cured samples were measured as per ASTM D412 and are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Composition Modulus, Yield Stress, Yield Strain, Number MPa MPa % 2.1 6.99 1.37 22.11 2.2 7.66 1.45 21.66 2.3 14.08 2.01 18.05 2.4 10.55 1.73 17.62 2.5 7.01 1.45 23.27 2.6 14.65 1.79 13.66 2.7 9.89 1.69 20.00 2.8 11.36 2.2 22.62 2.9 10.48 1.39 14.52 2.10 11.82 1.69 15.23 2.11 9.89 1.72 18.68 2.12 8.92 1.68 20.49 2.13 8.95 1.53 18.49 2.14 6.82 1.32 23.19 2.15 7.35 1.56 25.23

These data show that the addition of CAB 551-0.01 to a masterbatch of rubber and a reactive compatibilizer in Compositions 2.3-2.8 showed an increase in modulus over Comparative Composition 2.1 with rubber alone or Composition 2.2 with rubber and CAB 551-0.01. Yield Strain and to some extent Yield Stress was also improved in Compositions 2.10-2.15 in comparison to Composition 2.9 when the CAB/Plasticizer masterbatch was added to the SBR/Compatibilizer masterbatch.

Example 3 Use of Plasticizers

Masterbatches of cellulose esters with two different plasticizers at various loadings were prepared in an attempt to lower the Tg of the cellulose esters such that their flow temperature is lower than the typical rubber processing temperature of 150° C. Compounding in a Brabender mixer at 150° C. for 10 minutes at 100 rpm followed by cryogrinding yielded the masterbatches shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Tg of Master Tg of Quantity Type of Quantity of master Batch CE¹ CE, ° C. of CE, g Plasticizer plasticizer, g Batch, ° C. MB1 CAB 551-0.2 101 100 Eastman 168² 10 84 MB2 CAB 553-0.4 136 100 Eastman 168 25 85 MB3 CAB 381-0.1 123 100 Eastman 168 20 87 MB4 CAB 381-2 133 100 Eastman 168 25 95 MB5 CAB 553-0.4 136 100 Poly (ethylene 25 65 glycol)³ MB6 CAB 381-2 133 100 Poly (ethylene 25 70 glycol) MB7 CAP 504-0.2 159 100 Poly (ethylene 30 93 glycol) MB8 CAP 482-0.5 142 100 Poly (ethylene 25 90 glycol) MB9 CA 398-3 180 100 Poly (ethylene 40 109 glycol) ¹CE—Cellulose Ester ²bis(2-ethylhexyl)-1,4-benzene dicarboxylate ³polyethylene glycol—molecular weight 300—from Aldrich

All the above masterbatches were compounded with styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). The SBR and the masterbatch were mixed in a Brabender mixer for 30 minutes at 150° C. and 100 rpm. 2.5 phr dicumyl peroxide (curing agent) were added to each sample at 50-60° C. in the Brabender mixer in 1 minute and then mixed for another 2-3 minutes. The samples from the Brabender mixer were compression molded for 45 minutes at 150° C. and 20000 psi. The formulation of these samples are shown in Table 11. Each cellulose ester containing masterbatch sample has 10 phr (parts per hundred rubber) cellulose ester.

TABLE 11 Composition No. CE CE Quantity, g Duradene 761, g 3.1 None 100 3.2 MB1 11 100 3.3 MB2 12.5 100 3.4 MB3 12 100 3.5 MB4 12.5 100 3.6 MB5 12.5 100 3.7 MB6 12.5 100 3.8 MB7 13 100 3.9 MB8 12.5 100 3.10 MB9 14 100

The modulus, yield stress and yield strain of the compression molded, cured, elastomer/cellulose ester composition samples were measured as per ASTM D412 and are shown in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Composition Modulus, Yield Stress, Yield Strain, Number MPa MPa % 3.1 6.99 1.37 22.11 3.2 7.47 1.26 19.25 3.3 7.32 1.29 20.45 3.4 12.12 1.83 17.29 3.5 13.45 1.84 14.8 3.6 11.47 1.89 17.99 3.7 13.36 2.07 17.93 3.8 8.43 1.37 18.57 3.9 11.36 1.54 14.83 3.10 10.67 1.44 15.92

These data show that for Composition Numbers 3.2-3.11, the modulus was improved over Comparative Composition 3.1.

Example 4 Use of Cellulose Esters and Plasticizers in Tire Formulations

This example is provided to show the advantages of the use of cellulose esters with plasticizers in tire formulations over cellulose esters alone. Table 13 shows the tire formulations. All amounts in Table 13 are based on parts per hundred rubber (phr). Table 14 shows the cellulose ester/plasticizer masterbatch formulations.

Table 15 shows the mixing conditions. The components were mixed in a Banbury mixer, which was a Farrel BR mixer with steam heating and water cooling which is instrumented with computer monitors for temperature, rpm, and power. After preparing the elastomer/cellulose ester/plasticizer composition, the composition was cured T₉₀+5 minutes at 320° F. (160° C.).

TABLE 13 Formulations of Cellulose Ester-Filled Tire Tread Compounds Ingredients Sample Name CAB-1 CAB-2 CAB-3 Stage 1 Buna VSL 5025-2¹ S-SBR, 37.5 phr 103.12 103.12 103.12 TDAE² Buna CB24³ PBD rubber 25 25 25 Rhodia 1165 MP Silica 70 70 70 Si69⁴ Coupling agent 5.47 5.47 5.47 Sundex ® 790⁵ Aromatic Oil 5 5 5 Stearic acid Cure Activator 1.5 1.5 1.5 Stage 2 Product of stage 1 210.09 210.09 210.09 Cellulose Ester MB⁶ MB - 1 10 MB - 2 12.5 MB - 3 12.5 Zinc oxide Cure activator 1.9 1.9 1.9 Okerin ® wax 7240⁷ microcrystalline 1.5 1.5 1.5 wax Santoflex ® 6PPD⁸ Anti-oxidant 2 2 2 KK49⁹ process aid 2 2 2 Stage 3 Product of stage 2 217.49 229.99 229.99 Sulfur Cross-linker 1.5 1.5 1.5 Santocure ® CBS¹⁰ Accelerator 1.3 1.3 1.3 Perkacit ® DPG- Accelerator 1.5 1.5 1.5 grs¹¹ Total 221.79 234.29 234.29 ¹S-SBR—solution styrene butadiene rubber obtained from Lanxess. ²TDAE—treated distillate aromatic extract ³PBD—polybutadiene rubber obtained from Lanxess ⁴Si69 is a sulfur-containing organosilane obtained from Arkema ⁵Sundex ® 790 is an aromatic oil obtained from Sunoco ⁶MB—Masterbatch ⁷Okerin ® wax 7240 is a microcrystalline wax obtained from Sovereign Chemical ⁸Santoflex 6PPD is an anti-oxidant obtained from Flexsys. ⁹KK49 is a processing aid obtained from Strutkol. ¹⁰Santocure ® CBS is an accelerator obtained from Flexsys. ¹¹Perkacit ® DPG-grs is an accelerator obtained from Flexsys.

TABLE 14 Compositions of Plasticized Cellulose Ester Masterbatches Tg before Plasticizer Pz level PHR of MB in Tg after MB-Y CE Plasticizer, C. (Pz) (g/100 g CE) formulation plasticizer, C. MB-1 CAB 381-2 133 None — 10 133 MB-2 CAB 381-2 133 EMN 168¹ 25 12.5 95 MB-3 CAB 381-2 133 PEG-300² 25 12.5 70

TABLE 15 Processing of Cellulose-Ester Filled Tire Tread Compounds in a Banbury Mixer Stage 1 mix conditions Start temperature 65° C. Starting rotor speed, rpm 65 Fill factor 67% Mix sequence at 0 minute add elastomers at 1 minute add ⅔ silica + Si69 at 2 minute add ⅓ silica + others at 3 minute sweep at 3.5 minute increase rotor speed to ramp temperature to 160° C. in 4.5 minutes Dump Condition hold 2 minutes at 160° C. (Total mix time = 6.5 minutes) Stage 2 mix conditions Start temperature 65° C. Starting rotor speed, rpm 65 Fill factor 64% Mix sequence at 0 minute add ½ of first pass batch at 15 second add other ingredients in a pocket and ½ of first pass batch at 1 minute sweep at 1.5 minute increase rotor speed to ramp temperature to 140-145° C. in 3.5 minutes Dump Condition Hold 4 minutes at 140-145° C. (total mix time = 7.5 minutes) Stage 3 mix conditions Start temperature 50° C. Starting rotor speed, rpm 60 Fill factor 61% Addition order at 0 minute add ½ 2nd pass batch, at 15 second add sulfur, accelerators and ½ 2nd pass batch, sweep at 1 minute. Dump conditions 110° C. or 2 minute 30 second

TABLE 16 Performance of Cellulose Ester-Filled Tire Tread Compounds CAB-2 CAB-3 CAB-1 CAB 381-2 + CAB 381-2 + Properties CAB 381-2 25 phc E168 25 phc PEG Compounding Mooney viscosity, 4 63.5 58.5 55.1 minute at 100° C. Cured Rubber Phillips Dispersion 1 4 4 Break stress, psi 2191 2240 2349 Break strain, % 386 387 366 Modulus(M100), psi 663 679 735 Modulus (M300), psi 1693 1723 1918 Shore A Hardness 61 59 62 Tan Delta 0° C. 0.306 0.292 0.313 Tan Delta 60° C. 0.082 0.081 0.076 Rebound 0° C., % 9.8 10.8 9.6 Rebound 60° C., % 62.2 62.8 64.0 Wear, volume loss in 136 124 127 mm³ Performance Measurement:

Descriptions of various analytical techniques used to measure performance are provided below:

-   -   Mooney Viscosity: The Mooney Viscosities were measured according         to ASTM D 1646.     -   PHILLIPS Dispersion Rating: The samples were cut with a razor         blade, and pictures were taken at 30× magnification with an         Olympus SZ60 Zoom Stereo Microscope interfaced with a PaxCam ARC         digital camera and a Hewlett Packard 4600 LaserJet color         printer. The pictures of the samples were then compared to a         Phillips standard dispersion-rating chart having standards         ranging from 1 (bad) to 10 (excellent).     -   Mechanical Properties: Break stress, break strain, modulus at         100%, and 300% strains were measured as per ASTM D412 using Die         C for specimen preparation. The speed of testing was 20         inches/min, and the gauge length was 63.5 mm (2.5 inch). The         samples were conditioned in the lab for 40 hours at 50%+/−5%         humidity and 72° F. The width of specimen was 1 inch, and length         was 4.5 inch.     -   Hardness: Shore A hardness was measured according to ASTM D2240.     -   Dynamic Mechanical Analysis—Temperature Sweep: A TA instruments         Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer was used to complete the temperature         sweeps using a tensile geometry. Storage modulus (E′), Loss         modulus (E″), and tan delta (=E″/E′) were measured as a function         of temperature from −80° C. to 120° C. using 10 Hz frequency,         and 5% static and 0.2% dynamic strain.     -   Rebound Test: The rebound pendulum test was carried out as per         ASTM D7121-05.     -   Wear: Din abrasion testing was performed per ASTM 222.

The data show that without the use of a plasticizer, the cellulose ester did not disperse as well through the elastomer as shown by the poor Phillips Dispersion data. Further, the Mooney viscosities of the compositions containing both cellulose ester and plasticizer were lower than when plasticizer was not utilized. This shows that in the presence of the plasticizer, CEs acted as a processing aid and lowered Mooney viscosity. Furthermore, the break stress and wear was also improved over compositions without plasticizer, presumably indicating that in presence of the plasticizers, CEs can disperse into finer particles and can improve the properties that are dependent on particle size and/or surface area.

Example 5 Use of Modified Cellulose Esters in Tire Tread Formulations

This example is provided to show the advantages of the use of cellulose esters with plasticizers in tire formulations over formulations without cellulose esters. Table 17 shows the cellulose ester and plasticizer masterbatch formulations that are utilized in the tire formulations. Table 18 shows the tire formulations, and Table 19 shows the mixing conditions.

TABLE 17 Cellulose Ester/Plasticizer Masterbatches Quantity in CE Sample Composition formulation (phr) CAB553DOA¹ CAB 553-0.4 w/20 phCE 15 DOA CAB381DOA CAB 381-0.1 w/10 phCE 18 DOA CAP482DOA CAP 482-0.5 w/25 phCE 16.5 DOA CAB381TEG² CAB-381-0.1 w/10 phCE 18.75 TEG-EH CAB381PEG³ CAB-381-0.1 w/10 phCE 16.5 PEG CAB381ESO⁴ CAB-381-0.1 w/15 phCE 16.5 ESO CAP482Triacetin⁵ CAP 482-0.5 w/30 phCE 19.5 Triacetin CAP482PEG CAP 482-0.5 w/20 phCE 18 PEG CAB381Triton⁶ CAB 381-0.1 w/10 phCE 16.5 Triton X100 ¹DOA—dioctyl adipate ²TEG-EH—triethylene glycol bis(2-theyl hexanoate) ³PEG—poly(ethylene glycol), Mol. Wt. - 300 ⁴ESO—epoxidized soybean oil ⁵Triacetin—glyceryl triacetate ⁶Triton ® X100—ethyoxylated octylphenol obtained from Dow Chemical

TABLE 18 Tire Formulations Ingredients Sample name Si65 Si80 Si65Oil15 CE Samples Stage 1 Buna VSL 5025-2 S-SBR¹, 37.5 phr TDAE² 89.38 89.38 89.38 89.38 Buna CB 24 PBD³ rubber 35 35 35 35 Ultrasil ® 7000 GR⁴ Silica 65 80 65 65 N234 Carbon black 15 15 15 15 Si 266 Coupling agent 5.08 6.24 5.08 5.08 Sundex ® 790⁵ Aromatic oil 15 Stearic acid Cure Activator 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Product of Stage 1 MB1 210.96 227.12 225.96 210.96 Stage 2 Product of Stage 1 MB1 210.96 227.12 225.96 210.96 CE product (Table 1) Cellulose Ester As in Table 1 Si 69 Coupling agent 1.17 Zinc oxide Cure activator 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 Okerin ® wax 7240⁶ microcrystalline wax 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Santoflex ® 6PPD⁷ Anti-oxidant 2 2 2 2 Product of Stage 2 MB2 216.36 232.52 231.36 217.53 + CE Stage 3 Product of Stage 2 MB2 216.36 232.52 231.36 217.53 + CE Sulfur Cross-linker 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 Santocure ® CBS⁸ Accelerator 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 Perkacit ® DPG-grs⁹ Accelerator 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 Total 220.02 236.18 235.02 221.19 + CE ¹S-SBR—solution styrene butadiene rubber obtained from Lanxess. ²TDAE—treated distillate aromatic extract ³PBD—polybutadiene rubber obtained from Lanxess ⁴Ultrasil 7000 GR silica obtained from Evonik Industries ⁵Sundex ® 790 is an aromatic oil obtained from Sunoco ⁶Okerin ® wax 7240 is a microcrystalline wax obtained from Sovereign Chemical ⁷Santoflex ® 6PPD is an anti-oxidant obtained from Flexsys. ⁸Santocure ® CBS is an accelerator obtained from Flexsys. ⁹Perkacit ® DPG-grs is an accelerator obtained from Flexsys.

Banbury Mixing: The mixer is a Farrel BR mixer with steam heating and water cooling which is instrumented with computer monitors for temperature, rpm, and power.

Curing: The compounds were cured 30 minutes at 320° F. (160° C.).

TABLE 19 Processing of Cellulose Ester-filled Tire Tread Compounds in a Banbury mixer Stage 1 mix conditions Start temperature 65° C. Starting rotor speed, rpm 65 Fill factor 67% Ram pressure 50 Mix sequence at 0 min add elastomers at 1 min add ⅔ silica + Si266 at 2 min add ⅓ silica + others at 3 min sweep at 3.5 min adjust (increase) rotor speed to increase temperature to 160° C. Dump conditions hold 2 min at 160° C. (total mix time = 6.5 min) Stage 2 mix conditions start temperature 65° C. starting rotor speed, rpm 65 fill factor 64% ram pressure 50 mix sequence at 0 min add ½ of first pass batch At 15 s add other ingredients and ½ of first pass batch at 1 min sweep. at 1.5 min adjust (increase) rotor speed, ramp temperature to 150° C. dump conditions hold 4 min at 150° C. (Total mix time = 7.5 min) Stage 3 mix conditions start temperature 50° C. starting rotor speed, rpm 60 fill factor 61% ram pressure 50 addition order at 0 min ½ 2nd pass batch, at 15 s add sulfur, accelerator package, & ½ 2nd pass batch, sweep at 1 min. dump conditions 110° C. or 2 min 30 s

Performance of the tire formulations are shown in Table 20.

Test Descriptions for Example 5:

Cure Rheometer: Oscillating Disk Rheometer (ODR) was performed according to ASTM D 2084. ts2 is the time it takes for the torque of the rheometer to increase 2 units above the minimum value. tc90 is the time to reach 90% of the difference between minimum to maximum torque.

The Mooney Viscosities were measured according to ASTM D 1646.

Phillips Dispersion Rating: The samples were cut with a razor blade, and pictures were taken at 30× magnification with an Olympus SZ60 Zoom Stereo Microscope interfaced with a PaxCam ARC digital camera and a Hewlett Packard 4600 LaserJet color printer. The pictures of the samples were then compared to a Phillips standard dispersion-rating chart having standards ranging from 1 (bad) to 10 (excellent)

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (Strain Sweeps): Metravib DMA150 Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer was used in shear deformation to perform a double strain sweep experiment (simple shear 10 mm×2 mm). The experimental conditions were 0.001 to 0.5 dynamic strain at 13 points in evenly spaced log steps at 30° C. and 10 Hz.

Hot Molded Groove Trouser Tear (at 100° C.): Molded groove trouser tear (Type CP modified trouser tear test piece with a constrained path for tear) was performed according to ASTM test method D624.

Break stress and break strain were measured as per ASTM D412 using Die C for specimen preparation. The speed of testing was 20 inches/min, and the gauge length was 63.5 mm (2.5 inch). The samples were conditioned in the lab for 40 hours at 50%+/−5% humidity and 72° F. The width of specimen was 1 inch and length was 4.5 inch.

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (Temperature Sweeps): TA instrument Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer was used in tensile mode to perform the temperature sweep experiment. The experimental conditions were 0.5 static and 0.5 dynamic strain from −20° C. to 120° C. at 10 Hz.

TABLE 20 Performance of Cellulose Ester-filled Tire Tread Compounds Mooney DMA (5% DMA (5% Molded DMA (5% After 4 min stain in stain in Groove strain in at 100° C. Phillips shear) Stor- shear) Tear at Break tension) Tc90 Ts2 (Mooney Dispersion age Modulus Tan Delta 100° C. stress Break Tan Delta Sample Name (min) (min) Units) Rating at 30° C. (Pa) at 30° C. lbf/in psi strain % at 0° C. Si65 10.9 2.26 82.3 7 1800000 0.265 119 2720.4 381.5 0.4019 Si80 13.1 2 94.3 7 2330000 0.329 114 2475.1 298.5 0.4445 Si65Oil15 11 2.57 60.7 4 1410000 0.256 132 2471.8 428.1 0.4273 CAB553DOA 9.68 2.34 72 6 2010000 0.279 168 2709.5 457.8 0.4121 CAB381DOA 10.3 2.56 69.8 4 1960000 0.263 140 2911.4 424.4 0.4027 CAP482DOA 10.3 2.53 75.3 7 1930000 0.26 212 2599.4 431.8 0.3854 CAB381TEG 10.3 2.48 72.1 5 1990000 0.267 144 2776.5 414.4 0.4177 CAB381PEG 11.3 2.71 71 6 1980000 0.27 156 2857.8 402.4 0.4097 CAB381ESO 11.5 2.75 71.9 7 2090000 0.285 157 2640.6 402.9 0.43 CAP482Triacetin 11.3 2.99 72 7 2000000 0.286 174 2660.8 415.4 0.4492 CAP482PEG 9.3 2.44 76.3 7 2280000 0.274 215 2991.4 522 0.4445 CAB381Triton 11.6 2.9 74 7 2250000 0.288 135 2704 386.5 0.4365 Data Discussion:

Table 20 shows the samples and corresponding performance measurements. There were three controls and nine modified cellulose esters included in Table 20. Si65, Si80 and Si65Oil15 were controls with 65 phr silica, 80 phr silica and 65 phr silica/15 phr additional oil, respectively, as detailed in Table 18. All of the modified cellulose ester formulations contain 65 phr silica and 15 phr modified cellulose ester.

Compared to control (Si65), addition of 15 phr CE provides the following improvements. The Tc90 data produced from the cure rheometer showed comparable or slightly faster cure times. Shorter cure times are desirable as this provides for faster turnaround times in curing molds and presses. The Ts2 data from the cure rheometer which indicates the scorch/handling time before onset of cure showed significantly longer handling/flowing/molding time over the Si65 control. The Mooney viscosity data of the inventive examples were significantly lower than the Si65 control showing that the addition of the cellulose ester and plasticizer provided for better processability of the cellulose ester/elastomer composition. The dispersion rating which indicates the quality of the filler dispersion was comparable to the Si65 control. The dynamic mechanical analysis strain modulus was improved over the Si65 control. The molded groove tear at 100° C. was significantly better than the Si65 control, and the dynamic mechanical analysis Tan Delta at 0° C. (wet traction) also showed significant improvement. The break stress and break strain data (compound cure/processing indicator) were all within target ranges.

In contrast, addition of 15 phr Si (Si80) had a detrimental effect on several properties, including Tc90, Ts2, Mooney viscosity, rolling resistance and break strain. Addition of 15 phr oil (Si65Oil15) had very significant detrimental effect on low strain modulus.

Example 6 Use of Modified Cellulose Esters in Various Tire Tread Formulations

A) Various Tire Tread Formulation were prepared as shown in Table. 21.

B) Processing

Banbury Mixing: The mixer was a Farrel BR mixer with steam heating and water cooling which was instrumented with computer monitors for temperature, rpm, and power. The processing of the cellulose ester-filled tire tread compounds in a Banbury mixer were the same as shown in Table 19 in Example 5.

Curing: The compounds were cured 30 minutes at 320° F. (160° C.).

C) Performance

Test Descriptions are the same as in Example 5.

Performance of the tire formulations are shown in Table 22

D) Data Discussion:

Control 1 vs. CE 1: CE on top of formulation. Improved viscosity (lower better, processability), low strain modulus (higher better, handling), tear (higher better), and tan delta at 0° C. (higher better, wet traction) and no significant negative impact on other properties measured. Control 2 vs. CE 2: Cellulose ester replaced silica. Improved viscosity (lower better, processability), tan delta at 30° C. (lower better, rolling resistance) tear (higher better), but slightly worst low strain modulus (higher better, handling) and no significant negative impact on other properties measured. Control 3 vs. CE 3: Cellulose ester replaced oil. Improved low strain modulus (higher better, handling), tear (higher better), but slightly worst viscosity (lower better, processability), and no significant negative impact on other properties measured.

TABLE 21 Tire Formulations Ingredients Sample name Control 1 CE 1 Control 2 CE 2 Control 3 CE 3 Stage 1 Buna VSL 4041 S-SBR¹ 65 65 65 65 65 65 Buna CB 24 PBD² rubber 35 35 35 35 35 35 Ultrasil ® 7000 GR³ Silica 63 63 70 62 54 53 N234 Carbon black 5 5 5 5 5 5 Si 266 Coupling agent 4.91 4.91 5.46 4.84 4.21 4.13 Tudalin 4192⁴ Aromatic oil 33 33 26 25 28 22 Stearic acid Cure Activator 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Product of Stage 1 MB1 207.41 207.41 207.96 198.34 192.71 185.63 Stage 2 Product of Stage 1 MB1 207.41 207.41 207.96 198.34 192.71 185.63 CAB381-0.5 w/22 phCE Triton ® X100 Cellulose Ester 0 8 0 9 0 7 Si 266 Coupling agent 0 0.624 0 0.702 0 0.546 Zinc oxide Cure activator 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 Okerin ® wax 7240⁵ microcrystalline wax 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Santoflex ® 6PPD⁶ Anti-oxidant 2 2 2 2 2 2 Product of Stage 2 MB2 212.81 221.44 213.36 213.44 198.11 198.58 Stage 3 Product of Stage 2 MB2 212.81 221.44 213.36 213.44 198.11 198.58 Sulfur Cross-linker 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 Santocure ® CBS⁷ Accelerator 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 Perkacit ® DPG-grs⁸ Accelerator 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 1.28 Total 216.47 225.1 217.02 217.1 201.77 202.24 ¹S-SBR—solution styrene butadiene rubber obtained from Lanxess. ²PBD—polybutadiene rubber obtained from Lanxess ³Ultrasil 7000 GR silica obtained from Evonik Industries ⁴Tudelen 4192—treated distillate aromatic extract obtained by the H&R Group ⁵Okerin ® wax 7240 is a microcrystalline wax obtained from Sovereign Chemical ⁶Santoflex ® 6PPD is an anti-oxidant obtained from Flexsys. ⁷Santocure ® CBS is an accelerator obtained from Flexsys. ⁸Perkacit DPG-grs is an accelerator obtained from Flexsys.

TABLE 22 Performance of Cellulose Ester-filled Tire Tread Compounds Mooney DMA (5% Molded DMA (5% After 4 min stain in shear) DMA (5% Groove strain in at 100° C. Storage stain in shear) Tear at Break Break tension) Tan Sample Tc90 Ts2 (Mooney Modulus at Tan Delta at 100° C. stress strain Delta at Name (min) (min) Units) 30° C. (Pa) 30° C. lbf/in psi % 0° C. Control 1 13.4 3.99 40.2 1.14E+06 0.214 86.9 2342 686 0.323 CE 1 11.6 4.37 36.4 1.20E+06 0.202 92.8 2352 644 0.368 Control 2 13.4 3.05 54.2 1.59E+06 0.247 77.9 2376 565 0.386 CE 2 10.5 3.52 45.0 1.47E+06 0.207 94.9 2563 626 0.378 Control 3 10.4 3.43 39.6 1.11E+06 0.183 70.3 2463 628 0.344 CE 3 8.4 3.33 42.5 1.33E+06 0.188 73.7 2669 653 0.333 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A tire comprising a cellulose ester/elastomer composition comprising: (i) at least one cellulose ester, wherein at least one cellulose ester has; (a) an inherent viscosity of about 0.2 to about 3.0 dL/g or (b) a total degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit from about 0.5 to about 2.8; or wherein said at least one cellulose ester is a low molecular weight cellulose mixed ester selected from the group consisting of a) a low molecular weight mixed cellulose ester having the following properties: a total degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of from about 3.08 to about 3.50, having the following substitutions: a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of hydroxyl of no more than about 0.70; a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of C₃-C₄ esters from about 0.80 to about 1.40; and a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of acetyl of from about 1.20 to about 2.34; an inherent viscosity of from about 0.05 to about 0.15 dL/g, as measured in a 60/40, wt./wt., solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25° C.; a number average molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 5,600; a weight average molecular weight from about 1,500 to about 10,000; and a polydispersity of from about 1.2 to about 3.5, b) a low molecular weight mixed cellulose ester having the following properties: a total degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of from about 3.08 to about 3.50, having the following substitutions: a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of hydroxyl of no more than about 0.70; a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of C₃₋₄ esters from about 1.40 to about 2.45; and a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of acetyl of from about 0.20 to about 0.80; an inherent viscosity of from about 0.05 to about 0.15 dL/g, as measured in a 60/40, wt./wt., solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25° C.; a number average molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 5,600; a weight average molecular weight from about 1,500 to about 10,000; and a polydispersity from about 1.2 to about 3.5, and c) a low molecular weight mixed cellulose ester having the following properties: a total degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of from about 3.08 to about 3.50, having the following substitutions: a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of hydroxyl of no more than about 0.70; a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of C₃₋₄ esters from about 2.11 to about 2.91, and a degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit of acetyl of from about 0.10 to about 0.50; an inherent viscosity of from about 0.05 to about 0.15 dL/g, as measured in a 60/40, wt./wt., solution of phenol/tetrachloroethane at 25° C.; a number average molecular weight from about 1,000 to about 5,600; a weight average molecular weight from about 1,500 to about 10,000; and a polydispersity from about 1.2 to about 3.5; (ii) at least one elastomer; and (iii) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of at least one compatibilizer and at least one plasticizer, wherein said at least one cellulose ester is dispersed in said at least one elastomer, wherein said cellulose ester/elastomer composition comprises: a continuous phase comprising said at least one elastomer; and a dispersed phase comprising said at least one cellulose ester and said at least one additive.
 2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one cellulose ester is a functionalized cellulose ester wherein said functionalized cellulose ester is functionalized by at least one bifunctional reactant producing a cellulose ester with at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of double bonds, carboxylic acids, acetoacetate, acetoacetate imide, mercapto, melamine, and alkyl chains.
 3. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one plasticizer is an ester comprising: (i) acid residues comprising one or more residues of phthalic acid, adipic acid, trimellitic acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, azelaic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, butyric acid, glutaric acid, citric acid or phosphoric acid; or (ii) alcohol residues comprising one or more residues of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, or aromatic alcohol containing up to about 20 carbon atoms.
 4. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one plasticizer comprises alcohol selected from the group consisting of stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, phenol, benzyl alcohol, hydroquinone, catechol, resorcinol, ethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and diethylene glycol.
 5. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic polyesters comprising C₂₋₁₀ diacid residues and C₂₋₁₀ diol residues, wherein said C₂₋₁₀ diacid residues are at least one selected from the group consisting of malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, azelaic acid, and sebacic acid.
 6. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one plasticizer comprises at least one diol residue selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-butylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, 1,4-butylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6 hexanediol, 1,5-pentylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol.
 7. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one plasticizer comprises one or more of: A) from about 5 to about 95 weight % of a C₂₋₁₂ carbohydrate organic ester comprising from about 1 to about 3 monosaccharide units; or B) from about 5 to about 95 weight % of a C₂₋₁₂ polyol ester, derived from a C₅ or C₆ carbohydrate.
 8. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one plasticizer comprises at least one carbohydrate ester and a carbohydrate portion of said at least one carbohydrate ester is selected from the group consisting of α-anomer, β-anomer, and a mixture thereof.
 9. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of a phosphate plasticizer, a benzoate plasticizer, an adipate plasticizer, a phthalate plasticizer, a glycolic acid ester, a citric acid ester plasticizer and a hydroxyl-functional plasticizer.
 10. The tire according to claim 9, wherein said at least one plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, cresyldiphenyl phosphate, octyldiphenyl phosphate, diphenylbiphenyl phosphate, trioctyl phosphate, tributyl phosphate, diethyl phthalate, dimethoxyethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, dibenzyl phthalate, butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate, ethyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, methyl phthalyl ethyl glycolate, triethyl citrate, tri-n-butyl citrate, acetyltriethyl citrate, acetyl-tri-n-butyl citrate, and acetyl-tri-n-(2-ethylhexyl) citrate.
 11. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one compatibilizer is a non-reactive compatibilizer, comprising: a first segment that is compatible with said at least one cellulose ester; and a second segment that is compatible with said at least one elastomer.
 12. The tire according to claim 11, wherein said first segment of said non-reactive compatibilizer is at least one oligomer or polymer selected from the group consisting of cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, polyoxyalkylenes, polyglycols, polyesters, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyacetals, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, and polyvinyl alcohol.
 13. The tire according to claim 11, wherein said second segment of said non-reactive compatibilizer is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polydienes, polyaromatics, and copolymers.
 14. The tire according to claim 11, wherein said non-reactive compatibilizer is selected from the group consisting of ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, block polymers of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, polyglycerol esters, polysaccharide esters, and sorbitan esters.
 15. The tire according to claim 1, wherein said at least one compatibilizer is a reactive compatibilizer comprising: a hydrocarbon chain that is compatible with said at least one elastomer; and at least one functional group capable of reacting with said at least one cellulose ester.
 16. The tire according to claim 15, wherein said reactive compatibilizer is selected from the group consisting of fatty acids, fatty acid chlorides, fatty acid anhydrides, epoxidized oils, epoxidized fatty esters, styrene maleic anhydride copolymers, maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, copolymers of maleic anhydride with acrylic esters, copolymers of maleic anhydride with acrylic esters, and olefins, copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate with olefins and acrylic esters, copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate and olefins, and copolymers of glycidyl methacrylate with acrylic esters.
 17. The tire according to claim 15, wherein said reactive compatibilizer comprises: a polar chain that is compatible with said at least one cellulose ester; and at least one functional group capable of reacting with said at least one elastomer. 